Imagine a dish that transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience with minimal effort. This rosemary citrus tilapia with baby spinach salad is not just a meal; it's a vibrant symphony of flavors that marries the delicate sweetness of tilapia with the bright, aromatic punch of fresh rosemary and orange. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious, proving that healthy eating can be an exciting and mouthwatering journey.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tilapia fillets
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- 1 orange, juiced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve a better sear.
- Finely chop the fresh rosemary and zest half of the orange before juicing it completely.
- Season both sides of the tilapia fillets generously with salt, pepper, and half of the chopped rosemary.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Carefully place the seasoned tilapia fillets into the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fish flakes easily with a fork.
- While the fish cooks, prepare the salad by placing baby spinach in a mixing bowl.
- Toast the sliced almonds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Drizzle remaining olive oil and fresh orange juice over the spinach, tossing gently to coat.
- Plate the spinach salad and top with toasted almonds.
- Once tilapia is cooked, transfer to the plate alongside the spinach salad.
- Garnish with remaining fresh rosemary and orange zest for added aroma and flavor.
- Serve immediately while the fish is hot and the salad is fresh.
Tips
- Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
- Use fresh rosemary if possible - it makes a significant difference in flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Toast the almonds just until they're lightly golden to enhance their nutty flavor without burning.
- Don't overcook the tilapia - it should flake easily but remain moist. 3-4 minutes per side is typically perfect.
- Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan to prevent the delicate fish from sticking.
- Add the orange zest just before serving to preserve its bright, fresh aroma.
- For extra flavor, you can add a small minced garlic clove when searing the fish.
- If you prefer, you can substitute almonds with pine nuts for a different texture and taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 55mg
